Antaresia childreni

A secure horizontal terrarium (with a well-fastened lid, as this python is an excellent escape artist), with at least two hides (a warm side and a cool side), a few low branches and stable rockwork for exploration.

Indicative minimum dimensions for an adult (~0.9 x 0.45 m of floor space); a larger volume, for example 120 x 60 x 45-60 cm, is clearly preferable and allows a better thermal gradient. Juveniles feel more secure and feed better in a smaller enclosure well stocked with hides.

Moderate humidity of 50-60%, reflecting the alternating dry/wet seasons of its habitat. Raise it temporarily to 65-70% during shedding periods by misting lightly or adding a humid hide. Permanently excessive humidity encourages respiratory infections and scale rot.

Avoid softwood shavings such as pine/cedar (toxic volatile oils). Keep the substrate clean and dry on the surface; promptly remove droppings and soiled areas to prevent mites and skin infections. A humid hide (damp sphagnum moss) helps during sheds.

Not essential, as the species is nocturnal: correct heating and a proper gradient are enough. Low-level UVB (Ferguson zone 1, ~2-5% tube) is nonetheless beneficial for welfare and metabolism, provided shaded areas are available. A regular photoperiod of 10-12 h.

A large bowl of clean water available at all times, wide and stable enough to let the snake submerge completely, which it readily does before shedding. Change the water regularly and clean the container to prevent bacterial growth.

Northern Australia (the Kimberley region, the Northern Territory and northern Queensland), in rocky habitats, savannas and tropical zones with marked dry/wet seasons.

Carnivore (whole-prey eater) — Appropriately sized mice (pinkie up to adult mouse depending on the snake's size); large adults may accept a small rat or a large mouse.

Prey with a diameter close to the widest part of the body. Frequency: juveniles every 5-7 days, adults every 10-14 days. Thawed/warmed prey is preferable to live prey (risk of the snake being bitten). Do not handle within 24-48 h after a meal to avoid regurgitation. Overfeeding easily leads to obesity in this small species.

Clutch 7–15 eggs/young. A clutch of usually 7 to 15 eggs (exceptionally more). Breeding is triggered by winter cooling (cycling) with lowered temperatures and photoperiod over a few weeks. Like other pythons, the female coils her body around the eggs and broods them (maternal incubation). In an incubator, hatching occurs in ~48-60 days at ~31 °C with high humidity. Only breed adult animals that are healthy and of sufficient weight.

• Respiratory infections (open-mouth breathing, wheezing, mucus) linked to an environment that is too cold or too damp
• Difficult sheds / dysecdysis (retained shed patches, unshed eye caps) from a lack of temporary humidity
• Snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis)
• Stomatitis / mouth rot and scale rot when hygiene or humidity are inadequate
• Obesity and regurgitation linked to overfeeding or handling too soon after a meal